Uterine Fibroid Surgery in Thailand

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus.

Many fibroids do not require treatment, but surgery may be considered when they cause significant symptoms, affect fertility or interfere with everyday life.

A myomectomy removes fibroids while preserving the uterus, making it an important option for women who want to retain their uterus or may wish to become pregnant in the future.

Thailand offers specialist gynecological surgeons, advanced imaging and minimally invasive surgical options for international patients considering fibroid treatment.

Siam Medica can help you explore suitable providers, share medical records for specialist review, request personalised treatment plans and cost estimates, and coordinate your care before, during and after treatment in Thailand.

What are uterine fibroids?

Fibroids are growths made from muscle and connective tissue in the uterus.

They can vary significantly in:

• Number

• Size

• Location

• Growth pattern

Some women have a single fibroid while others develop several.

Fibroids are usually benign and many cause no symptoms.

What symptoms can fibroids cause?

Symptoms depend partly on the size and location of the fibroids.

They can include:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding

• Prolonged periods

• Pelvic pressure or pain

• Abdominal enlargement

• Frequent urination

• Constipation

• Pain during intercourse

• Anaemia caused by heavy bleeding

• Fertility problems in selected cases

The presence of fibroids alone does not necessarily mean surgery is required.

When may surgery be considered?

Surgical treatment may be considered when:

• Heavy bleeding affects quality of life

• Fibroids cause significant pain or pressure

• Anaemia persists despite treatment

• Fibroids are very large

• Symptoms do not respond adequately to medication

• Fibroids affect fertility or pregnancy planning

• The patient wishes to preserve the uterus

Treatment should be selected according to symptoms, age, reproductive plans and fibroid anatomy.

What is a myomectomy?

A myomectomy removes uterine fibroids while leaving the uterus in place.

Unlike hysterectomy, the uterus is not removed.

The surgical approach depends on:

• Fibroid size

• Number of fibroids

• Location

• Previous surgery

• Fertility plans

• Surgeon assessment

Myomectomy may be performed hysteroscopically, laparoscopically or through open abdominal surgery.

Laparoscopic myomectomy

Laparoscopic myomectomy uses several small abdominal incisions.

A camera and specialised surgical instruments are used to remove fibroids and repair the uterus.

For suitable patients, this approach may involve:

• Smaller incisions

• Shorter hospital stay

• Less postoperative discomfort

• Faster early recovery than open surgery

Not every fibroid can be removed laparoscopically.

Large, numerous or deeply positioned fibroids may require a different approach.

Open abdominal myomectomy

Open myomectomy uses a larger abdominal incision to access the uterus.

It may be recommended for:

• Very large fibroids

• Numerous fibroids

• Complex fibroid locations

• Cases where extensive uterine reconstruction is required

Recovery is generally longer than after laparoscopic surgery.

The surgeon should recommend the approach that allows the fibroids to be removed safely while appropriately repairing the uterus.

Hysteroscopic myomectomy

Fibroids growing into the uterine cavity may sometimes be removed hysteroscopically.

A thin instrument is passed through the vagina and cervix into the uterus.

No abdominal incision is required.

This approach is suitable only for certain fibroids located within or projecting into the uterine cavity.

Treatment may be performed as a day procedure or with a short hospital stay.

Myomectomy versus hysterectomy

A myomectomy removes fibroids but preserves the uterus.

A hysterectomy removes the uterus completely.

Hysterectomy provides definitive treatment for uterine fibroids because fibroids cannot recur after the uterus has been removed.

However, pregnancy is no longer possible following hysterectomy.

For women who wish to preserve fertility or retain the uterus, myomectomy may therefore be considered when clinically appropriate.

Fibroids and fertility

Most women with fibroids are able to become pregnant.

However, certain fibroids can affect fertility depending on their:

• Size

• Location

• Relationship to the uterine cavity

Fibroids that significantly distort the uterine cavity may be particularly relevant to fertility.

Removal does not automatically improve fertility in every case.

Women considering myomectomy primarily for fertility reasons should ideally be assessed by a gynecologist or fertility specialist familiar with their reproductive history.

Assessment before surgery

Evaluation may include:

• Gynecological examination

• Pelvic ultrasound

• Transvaginal ultrasound

• MRI in selected cases

• Blood tests

• Assessment for anaemia

• Review of menstrual symptoms

• Fertility history

• Review of previous gynecological surgery

Imaging helps the surgeon understand the number, size and location of the fibroids before recommending a surgical approach.

International patients can often submit imaging and reports before travelling for preliminary review.

Preparing for surgery

Preparation depends on the type of myomectomy planned.

Patients may require:

• Blood tests

• Anaesthetic evaluation

• Treatment for anaemia

• Medication review

• Additional pelvic imaging

• Pregnancy testing

• Instructions regarding food and fluids

Patients taking blood-thinning medication should discuss this specifically with the treating team.

The procedure

Myomectomy is usually performed under anaesthesia.

The surgeon identifies and removes the fibroids and then repairs the uterine muscle.

The extent of reconstruction depends on how deeply the fibroids are embedded in the uterus.

With laparoscopic and open myomectomy, careful closure of the uterine muscle is especially important for women considering future pregnancy.

Hospital stay and early recovery

Hospital stay varies according to the technique.

Laparoscopic myomectomy commonly involves approximately two nights in hospital.

Open myomectomy may require around three nights or longer depending on the extent of surgery and individual recovery.

Patients are encouraged to begin gentle walking as soon as medically appropriate.

Temporary symptoms can include:

• Abdominal discomfort

• Fatigue

• Bloating

• Light vaginal bleeding

• Incision soreness

Recovery after fibroid surgery

Recovery depends substantially on the surgical approach.

Hysteroscopic procedures generally involve the shortest recovery.

Laparoscopic myomectomy normally allows earlier return to daily activity than open abdominal surgery.

More strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and sexual activity may need to be avoided temporarily.

The surgeon should advise when normal activities and international travel can safely resume.

Pregnancy after myomectomy

The uterus needs time to heal after myomectomy.

Patients planning pregnancy are generally advised to discuss an appropriate waiting period with their surgeon before trying to conceive.

Depending on the depth and location of uterine incisions, future pregnancy may require additional monitoring.

In some cases, delivery by Caesarean section may be recommended.

The advice varies according to the individual operation.

Can fibroids return?

Myomectomy removes existing fibroids but does not prevent new fibroids from developing.

Some women may develop new fibroids or experience growth of small fibroids that were not removed during surgery.

The likelihood varies according to age, number of fibroids and individual biology.

Further treatment may occasionally be required in the future.

Risks and considerations

Potential risks of myomectomy include:

• Bleeding

• Blood transfusion

• Infection

• Scar tissue or adhesions

• Injury to surrounding organs

• Conversion from minimally invasive to open surgery

• Recurrence of fibroids

• Complications in future pregnancy

• Rare need for hysterectomy because of uncontrollable bleeding or another unexpected finding

• Anaesthesia-related complications

Patients considering pregnancy should discuss how surgery could affect future pregnancy and delivery.

Uterine fibroid surgery costs in Thailand

The cost of fibroid surgery in Thailand varies according to the number and size of fibroids and the surgical approach.

A broad indicative range is approximately US$5,500–10,500 or more.

Factors affecting the total cost can include:

• Open or laparoscopic myomectomy

• Number and size of fibroids

• Complexity of uterine reconstruction

• Gynecological surgeon fees

• Anaesthesia

• Hospital stay

• Imaging

• Laboratory and pathology testing

• Treatment of anaemia

• Additional gynecological procedures

A straightforward open myomectomy may cost substantially less than a complex laparoscopic procedure involving multiple fibroids.

Siam Medica can request a personalised treatment plan and cost estimate after suitable providers review your ultrasound, MRI and medical information.

How Siam Medica can help

We can help you:

• Identify suitable gynecological surgeons and healthcare providers

• Share ultrasound, MRI and medical records with providers

• Request preliminary specialist review

• Request personalised treatment plans and cost estimates

• Compare open and minimally invasive approaches

• Coordinate consultations, investigations and surgery

• Assist with recovery and travel planning

• Support communication with your provider before, during and after treatment

Our support is free for patients, and Siam Medica is independent of any single hospital or clinic.